Pupils aged 15, 16 and 17 are likely to be offered the opportunity of working for a week or more in a real work situation. Some call this work shadowing, perhaps more accurately.

Each school has its own approach to work experience: in some schools it is optional; in others compulsory. Many schools involve parents in finding placements. On vocational courses, pupils may be required to engage in extended periods of work experience as an integral part of the course. Some university courses, eg medicine, require relevant work experience.